My first commute ride

I've been having a hard time getting enough rides in so I started looking at finding a way to commute to work at least twice a week. I live in a very urban(suburban, I guess) area so I was concerned about traffic but using map my ride I was able to carve out a route that avoids as much traffic as possible but doesn't add too much distance to my ride. I did drive 4 miles and parked my car to avoid a section of the route that has more traffic than I like and is unavoidable. This left me a nice 13 mile ride. I do have a decent tail light that I bought. I don't intend to ride in the dark but I wanted to be visable in the early morning light.

I liked riding with a purpose rather than just riding a circle route around my house for fitness. I hope I can make this year round habit!

I did a similar thing, after getting into the best shape in decades and struggled to get to the gym. I found a nice shower to use at work, plotted out my route from the South Shore into downtown Boston and then to Cambridge. 15.3 miles, just about an hour ride. Did the ride on an early Sunday, figured out the best way then bought a "Commuter Bike" added lights 5 total. Front and Back Helmet Blinkers,, Handlebar blinker and headlight and tail blinker.

My original plan was to ride 2-3 (4 day work week) times per week, but averaged 3+ until October. Riding in the dark is actually not as intimidating as originally thought it would be. I don't ride when it rains or snows, with the Boston Drivers that is too risky. Actually got 4 days in the 3 weeks I was in town in December. Kept adjusting my no ride temp from 35 down to 25 as I added appropriate shoes and clothes. Right now ICE is the problem. My goal is 100 miles per month in Dec, Jan and Feb.

It is not a bad ride and gets my day off to a good start and finish psychologically I am much better.

... I won't try to second guess your routes and their relative safeness... that is totally your call, however, I've been commuting for almost a quarter century, and if you'd a told me I'd be using some the routes I use today, I'd a called both you and the woman that bore you a liar!!! My point being, with time and experience, you may up the ante.

True, you will never be guaranteed absolute safety, but I've had more SNAFUBARs on side streets with drivers in a hurry 'tween stop signs than on major roads in my area. Just a thought.